the month is almost over and we are one day over from americans getting tax hikes. randall pinkston is live with the lack of opt -- optimism. >> reporter: yes, but the senate and house are in town. unusual between new year's and christmas for that to happen. one senator is calling it not a great attitude in congress right now. >> senator? >> reporter: 7 tors arrived to continue last-minute negotiations hours before the nation is set to fall off of the so-called fiscal cliff. after a day of intense talks, senate majority leader, harry reid said there will not be a deal tonight. >> there is a distance between the two sides, tpheg orbingiations continue. >> if republicans and democrats can not strike a deal, taxes will go up for almost every american, automatic cuts will kick in and millions will loose unemployment benefits. >> i want everyone to know i am will willing to get this done but i need a dance partner. >> they quickly cut the deficit by slowing the growth of social security but the senate says there is a little bit of movement when they are compromising whic